About the Organization

Tajikeimɨk is the new and developing health and wellness organization that is leading health transformation on behalf of Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. In collaboration with Chiefs, Grand Council, and Health Directors, Tajikeimɨk will build on and evolve the health and wellness services and programs used by Mi’kmaw people in Nova Scotia; improve health service delivery; and strengthen coordination with Federal and Provincial health system partners—with the goal of improving overall health for Mi’kmaq and communities.

Elukuti’kw wjit naji-wlo’ltinenew utanminal.
We are working toward better health for all in our communities.

Position overview:

Tajikeimɨk is seeking a strong Mi’kmaw nurse leader to step into a maternity leave position (anticipated to run until Summer 2027) as Mi’kmaq Indigenous Nurse Education Specialist in the Office of L’nu Nursing for schools of nursing in Western Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq Indigenous Nurse Education Specialist will support the recruitment and retention of Mi’kmaq
and Indigenous community members into nursing education, and directly support the L’nu Nursing Strategy. The L’nu Nursing Strategy aims to create a supportive and sustainable pathway for Mi’kmaw and Indigenous people to become leaders, researchers, educators, practitioners, and policy makers in the nursing profession in Nova Scotia by providing wrap-around nursing student supports and facilitating culture change within the educational and practice settings

What you’ll do:

Specific responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Be embedded within the schools of nursing across NS and report to the
  Director of L’nu Nursing.
• As part of a team, support community relationship and engagement,
  including collaboration with other community partners.
• Identify and strengthen pathways for Mi’kmaw and Indigenous students to
  prepare for and be successful in nursing programs, and bring a community-informed understanding of pathways into the nursing programs in NS.
• With students’ informed consent, support and advocate for Mi’kmaq and Indigenous students during preparation and application processes, and during their academic nursing studies.
• Develop and implement orientation for Mi’kmaq and Indigenous students.
• Create meaningful relationships with Mi’kmaq and Indigenous students. Seek opportunities, including orientation and outreach, to identify Mi’kmaq and Indigenous nursing students and promote the supports available.
• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments of supports/programs/services that are available and needed, and effectiveness of programs in terms of student success.
• Facilitate and/or coordinate a range of wholistic supports and services based on nursing students’ needs.
• Provide direct, personalized supports and mentorship to Mi’kmaq and Indigenous nursing students
  within their School of Nursing.
• Collaborate with course leaders and instructors regarding delivery and expectations. Meet with course
  instructors prior to evaluations and follow up on students identified as needing extra support. Map out
  important evaluation timelines for students. Track student progression.
• Strengthen L’nu nursing education and professional practice across NS by prioritizing student success through sharing best practices across all sites and taking a student first approach.
• Provide leadership and coordination for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the educational support activities outlined in the CASN Framework of Strategies to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action in nursing education.
• Collaborate with the schools of nursing to fulfill their obligation to support Mi’kmaw and Indigenous student success, and address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
• Ensure that Mi’kmaw culture and values are central to the L’nu Nursing Strategy.
• Guide, mentor, and support universities, colleges, schools of nursing, and educators in
  their efforts to create culturally safe spaces and provide trauma-informed learning experiences.
• Support the schools of nursing to decolonize and Indigenize; support efforts by the schools of nursing to review and transform university and School of Nursing policies.

Your qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Master of Nursing preferred, or willingness to complete within a defined period.
• Registration with (or eligible for registration with) and a member of good standing of the Nova Scotia College of Nursing.
• New graduates encouraged to apply.
• Experience with applying and leading Two-Eyed Seeing.
• Strong mentorship, communication, collaboration, and partnership-building skills.
• Excellent informal and formal leadership skills.
• Expertise in Trauma Informed Care and Trauma Informed environments.
• Expertise in addressing and educating about racism, and implementing anti-racism strategies.
• Policy development and analysis experience.
• Knowledge of research methods and evaluation methods.
• Experience in Microsoft Office programs.
• Hold a Nova Scotia driver’s license and willing to travel in NS.
• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, in the Mi’kmaw language would be an asset.
• Highly motivated, organized, with planning and critical thinking skills.
• Team player, with the ability to work independently.
• An up-to-date Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check.

what we're looking for:

• Personal experience as a Mi’kmaw nursing leader with a vision for supporting L’nu nursing in NS.
• Sound knowledge of Mi’kmaw culture and experience working with Mi’kmaw organizations.
• Sound knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, particularly in the areas of education, health, and health care.
• Sound knowledge of the health needs of Mi’kmaw people.
• Passion, personal alignment and commitment to Mi’kmaw health and wellness through self-determination over health resources.

Salary: to be negotiated based on experience.
Position Type: This is a full-time, maternity leave coverage position, anticipated to run until Summer 2027.
Location: Western NS - in a School of Nursing the position supports.

Preference will be given to Mi’kmaw applicants.

If you are a Mi’kmaw nursing leader seeking the opportunity to make a real difference by supporting L’nu nursing, Tajikeimik is looking for you.

Email your resume and cover letter in confidence to careers@mhwns.ca,
citing “Mi’kmaq Indigenous Nurse Education Specialist - Western NS” in the
subject line.

We appreciate all expressed interest in the position; however, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.